The external use of castor oil can serve both aesthetic and medicinal purposes, since it is ideal, for example, to relieve muscle pain .

Castor oil is obtained from the castor seed. Sometimes the leaves are also used. We can also find fatty acids in its composition, which have incredible properties.

This shrub is also known as beaver, it is poisonous and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Its oil could have many benefits that are good to know.

How do you get the beaver bean?

Beaver bean that creates castor oil has been cultivated and used for centuries, and today it is possible to find it in all areas with a warm climate. It is grown annually and its size varies depending on the climate in which it is found. In warm places it is used to decorate gardens. In temperate climates it reaches a height between 2.5 and 3 meters, while in tropical climates it can reach 12 meters. Cold climates can be fatal, since bean bean does not survive frost.

Here we explain the main characteristics and benefits of castor oil.

Castor oil features

Within its structure the beaver bean has large leaves that can measure between 10 and 35 cm approximately. However, with proper care they can reach up to 60 cm. These leaves have alternating colors between purple, red and green and are found in groups. Castor bean contains the male and female sex in its broad structure, in two different types of flowers arranged in bouquets or inflorescences.

Below we specify the differences between the two:

• Female flowers: 

They have a diameter of between 1.5 and 3 cm. They are in the upper part of the inflorescence with an ovary formed by three leaves and a pistil meant to capture pollen.

• Male flowers: 

They measure between 25 and 30 cm. They are in the lower part of the inflorescence and have a calyx meant to protect the flower during its growth, and a pedicel, which is an axis that links the flower to its inflorescence, of up to 12 mm.

Benefits of castor oil for the body

When introduced in the context of a varied and balanced diet, castor oil could provide the following health benefits.

• Helps relieve arthritis

To take advantage of the castor oil to mitigate the pain caused by arthritis, we must heat it (to a bearable temperature) and apply it to the affected area. We can apply it directly or using a cloth and repeat as many times as deemed necessary. It should be noted that several investigations indicate that it is not an optimal product for consumption, but that it is important to apply it topically.

• Relieves bread

This oil helps to soften the muscles , tones them, and helps to relieve pain that occurs in the body. It is especially effective against back pain, which is so repetitive for some people, due to poor posture.

How to use it?

To take advantage of its benefits, a hot portion should be applied through gentle circular massages in the area where the discomfort occurs. If you wish, you can repeat it up to 2 times a day.

• Reduces dark circles

This oil helps reduce the annoying and unsightly dark circles that are the result of fatigue or genetic condition. Applying it on the eye contour could be effective as a cosmetic treatment.

How to use it?

It should be applied daily by gentle strokes, without stretching the skin and leaving it on for a few minutes. In this way, the nutrients penetrate the skin. Thus, we will improve the appearance of the affected area.

• promotes eyelashes growth

Eyelashes normally fall out when rubbing eyes, makeup, and so on. Some people have weaker eyelashes than others and this can be discouraging. Luckily, castor oil helps promote eyelash growth .

How to use it?

To benefit from castor oil for eyelashes, we must apply it daily with the help of a mascara brush that is no longer in use and is completely clean. If we use it every night in a short time, we will be able to notice the changes.

• Relieves colitis

The main use of castor oil is to combat colitis, a gastric and intestinal imbalance. For this purpose, a compress can be applied on the lower abdomen. To apply this method according to traditional medicine , it is enough to wet a cloth and leave it to act for one to two hours. A hot water bottle or heating pad can also be beneficial. The process can be repeated up to twice a day.

• Removes calluses on feet

Although there is no scientific evidence to support this property, popular beliefs indicate that dead skin built-up on feet can be softened with castor oil . However, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist before resorting to natural remedies like this one. The supposed alternative is to wet some beaver oil and place it directly on the affected area as a first step. Later, hold on with a bandage and put on a sock so that it does not move. Sleep with the cotton all night long and the next day file the foot a little, which should be much softer.

• Relieves arthritis pain

If your joints hurt from arthritis , traditional medicine suggests that castor oil may help. However, this is another case that has not been supported by scientific evidence, so it is necessary to consult with your doctor about its appropriateness.

How should it be applied? 

Place three tablespoons in a skillet and heat for three minutes; Afterwards, wet a cloth or cotton and rub over the painful area. Cover with a dry tissue and place the heating pad to keep warm. Leave the remedy to work for at least half an hour and a maximum of one hour. It should not be used if the area is inflamed and never, as we said, without the approval of a healthcare professional.

• Take care of the skin

All the following are properties that arise from the supposed moisturizing power of castor oil , as it is part of many cream and cosmetic product formulas.

In these cases, it is used as an emollient and to soften and protect the dermis; It is found in lotions, ointments, soaps, etc. It also helps treat very dry skin, eczema, peeling, herpes, minor ulcers, burns and superficial wounds.

On the other hand, it could be used to make shampoo for softer, shinier, and healthier hair. Castor oil has other benefits such as treatment for styes, dandruff and insect bites , especially mosquitoes. Also, it is said to be effective against skin aging.

• Strengthen nails

  

If you have fragile nails , apply castor oil with a cotton ball on each of them, or put a few drops on the nail polish. It could help keep them looking good as it contains an important dose of vitamin E. 

• Massage the body

Finally, this oil can be used as a body oil to perform anti-inflammatory massages. It could also help relieve muscle pain and is widely used in aromatherapy.

• Take care of your face

• Acne : Castor oi l’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for reducing acne. Ricinoleic acid is known for its ability to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
• Texture : One of the elements that castor oil is rich in is fatty acids . These can improve smoothness when applied to the face.
• Complexion : The fatty acids in castor oil can also promote the growth of healthy skin tissue, making it useful for restoring uneven skin tones.
• Sensitive skin – Castor oil is rated low comedogenic. This means that it is unlikely to clog the pores of the skin, and reduces the risk of developing blackheads, making it appropriate for use on sensitive skin.

For all the above, the benefits of castor oil can provide solutions to various common problems in people’s lives. Again, as a conclusion, its direct consumption can be fatal for a person; therefore, only its oil is used, once extracted.

Include castor oil in your routine

Although the intake of this product is not recommended, castor oil can help improve the external appearance of the skin and treat health problems related to muscle inflammation . It is important to always apply it as an element for topical use and avoid its consumption.

Have you ever used castor oil?

If so, please share with us in the comments how you have benefited from its benefits. 

To Read: Argan oil: 10 health benefits.